Controversy

Chase Utley (seen here in 2014 while still a Phillie) changed the course of the post-season Saturday night with his take-out slide on Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada. Was it an aggressive play? A cheap shot? A deliberate attempt to injury an opponent? We're not sure of the intent, but we all know the result: Tejada, in a vulnerable position, was flipped onto his back and suffered a broken leg that ended his season. Utley, initially ruled out on a force pay, was called safe when replay showed Tejada never actually tagged 2nd base.
But the controversy spiraled. While the play stood and Utley later scored as part of the Dodgers four-run rally, a day later opinions from baseball's executive offices took a different turn. Utley was suspended for two games -- the two playoff games that would be played Monday and Tuesday at the Mets home ballpark Citi Field. That could change, as well, since Utley has appealed the suspension and could well be back on the field in New York. If that occurs, how will fans and the Mets react??

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